Zubair Qureshi
The government of Japan has announced provision of USD$ 1 million—the third cache of assistance—for Pakistan to battle coronavirus.
The relief assistance will be provided through United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to equip the Pakistani people and the Afghan Refugees to fight against Covid-19.
Prior to this grant assistance, the Government of Japan provided US$ 2,410,000 to Pakistan to support its efforts to combat the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) infection, including US$ 1,620,000 through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), US$ 540,000 through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and US$ 250,000 through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Through this grant assistance, the UNHCR will provide necessary technical assistance and equipment/material to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by considering the situation on the ground on the request of the Government of Pakistan.
This support will boost Pakistan’s capacity to quickly track the coronavirus affected persons and treat them accordingly. This assistance will also help in reducing and delaying the transmission of Covid-19 hence minimizing serious illness and associated deaths due to Covid-19. Furthermore, it will also strengthen the ongoing health services during epidemic peak period and will help in minimizing the socio-economic impact.
Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori while appreciating the tremendous efforts of the Government of Pakistan said the spread of Covid-19 had become a serious issue worldwide and it is now crucial for the international community to take necessary measures to address this disease.
He further stated that the Government of Japan would continue to support the Government of Pakistan not only in its efforts to fight against Covid-19 but also other matters related to Japan-Pakistan socio-economic development cooperation.
